It's An Honor For Uncle Sam To Present Awards

Everyone loves a winner, whether it's in particle physics or the 200-yard dash. But what people don't know is that Uncle Sam has more trophies than Michael Jordan. Each year he recognizes dozens of Americans for outstanding achievement. Here are just a few ways to qualify for a tip of Uncle Sam's hat.

- Honors for a class act. The Quigg Excellence in Education Award is presented to teachers, students, parents or others who encourage analytical thinking among America's youth. You can win for a single specific event or a series of activities, which inspire America's youth to think creatively and critically. Contact: Project XL, Office of Public Affairs, the Patent and Trademark Office, Washington, D.C. 20231; 703-305-8341.

- Start by jogging your dog. Take the President's Challenge, which is a physical-fitness testing program of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Schools nationwide participate in the program. Anyone age 6 to 96 can also earn the Presidential Sports Award in any one of 68 different sports. To learn how to be a winner, contact: The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, Suite 250, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004; 202-272-3430.

- Bringing technology to the common man. Which came first, the popsicle or the stick? Inventors may come up with great ideas, but getting them to market takes technical know-how. The National Medal of Technology is given to a U.S. citizen or company that excels in the commercialization of technology. For an application, contact: Dr. Paul Braden, U.S. Department of Commerce, Technology Administration, National Medal of Technology, Room 4418, 14th St. and Constitution Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20230; 202-482-5572.

- Uncle Sam's star awards. NASA and the National Science Teachers Association sponsor competitions for would-be skywalkers. The Space Science Student Involvement Program (SSIP) is an annual program that involves students in creating experiments, art and writing. Competitions are held for grades 3 to 12. For more information, contact: National Science Teachers Association; 1742 Connecticut Ave. N.W.; Washington, D.C. 20009; 202-328-5800.

- Grade the principal. The Department of Education and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) present awards to distinguished principals nationwide. The guidelines include nomination and selection by peers, demonstrated commitment to student excellence and service as a principal for at least five years. For more information, contact: National Association of Elementary School Principals, Attn: NDP Program, 1615 Duke St., Alexandria, Va. 22314; 703-684-3345.

- Intellectual athletics. The White House and the Department of Education recognize academically talented students through the Presidential Scholars Awards program for both academic and art scholars. For more information, contact: The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, U.S. Department of Education, Room 2189, 400 Maryland Ave. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202-6100; 202-401-2910.

- Be true to your school. The Blue Ribbon School Award is given by the Department of Education to schools that excel in educational leadership, instruction, organization and parental and community involvement. Schools are asked to report their progress in striving for the National Education Goals, which were set in 1991, and to describe the school program in detail. For more information, contact: U.S. Department of Education, Blue Ribbon Schools Program, 555 New Jersey Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20208-5645; 202-219-2149.

- Superheroes, for real. The Medal of Honor is awarded by the military to members of the armed services for actions that go above and beyond the call of duty. For information concerning this and other medals and decorations of the armed forces, contact: Public Affairs, Attn. Gerri Taylor, U.S. Department of Defense, Room 2E777, The Pentagon, Washington, D.C. 20301-1400; 703-697-5737.

- When the little guy sees big. If you know of an innovative small-business owner in your state, then nominate him or her for the Small Business Person of the Year award. For more information on this award, contact your local SBA office or: The Answer Desk, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 Third St. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20416; 800-U-ASK-SBA.

- Physics fun. The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching recognizes teachers in elementary and secondary education. The award includes a $7,500 grant for the winner's school and a free trip to Washington, D.C. Contact: Presidential Awards For Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching, National Science Teachers Association, 1840 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Va. 22201-3000; 703-243-7100.

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Do you want help from Mr. Info? Send questions to Matthew Lesko, c/o The New York Times Syndicate, 130 5th Avenue-9th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10011. Selected questions will be answered in this column.